Victoria Hospice has partnered with the Pacific Animal Therapy Society (PATS) to welcome therapy dogs and their humans on site twice a week. Every Monday and Wednesday afternoon, patients and staff have the opportunity to connect with these very caring canines who have had special training as therapy dogs.
One of these dogs is Brio. Brio has been a therapy dog at Royal Jubilee Hospital for a number of years, and just recently started working at Victoria Hospice with the support of her humans, Kit Pearson and Katherine Farris.
Victoria Hospice LPN Kristen thinks that the inclusion of therapy dogs on the unit has been a fantastic addition to the variety of non-pharmaceutical therapies offered. “It’s just such an amazing service to offer patients who have been lifelong animal lovers,” Kirsten says. “Now, at the end of their life, they can still enjoy the companionship of a furry friend, and it has a calming effect that brings so much comfort. And the staff love the chance to have a cuddle, too!”
Did you know that the unconditional love and acceptance offered by a pet has the power to transform lives by promoting emotional, physical and social well-being? Research shows that petting a dog or cat can reduce blood pressure, slow heart rate, improve cognitive focus and ease stress, anxiety and depression. And for individuals approaching end-of-life, the effects of having time with a pet, even for a short while, may also contribute to pain relief and spiritual connection.
Each Monday and Wednesday afternoon, one of seven teams will spend an hour on the unit, prioritizing visits to patients who express a desire to spend time with the dog. The length of each visit depends on how much demand there is on any given day- some visits may last a minute or two, others could last half an hour.
Read more about a day on the unit, from Brio’s point of view